Add to Your Faith Virtue: and to Virtue Knowledge

[Thompson, Darryl]

Add to Your Faith Virtue: and to Virtue Knowledge 

     His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto
life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to
glory and virtue. 2 Peter 1:3  

     After receiving the faith of the gospel, our first work is to seek
to add virtuous and pure principles, and thus cleanse the mind and heart
for the reception of true knowledge.  

     The apostle has presented before us the importance of making
continual advancement in the Christian life. There is no excuse for our
lack of spiritual understanding. . . .  

     Faith is the first round in the ladder of advancement. Without
faith it is impossible to please God. But many stop on this round and
never ascend higher. They seem to think that when they have professed
Christ, when their names are on the church record, their work is
completed. Faith is essential; but the Inspired Word says, "Add to your
faith, virtue." Those who are seeking for eternal life and a home in the
kingdom of God must lay for their character building the foundation of
virtue. Jesus must be the chief cornerstone. The things that defile the
soul must be banished from the mind and life. When temptations are
presented, they must be resisted in the strength of Christ. The virtue
of the spotless Lamb of God must be woven into the character till the
soul can stand in its integrity. . . . Joseph is an example of how the
youth may stand unspotted, amid the evil of the world, and add to their
faith, virtue. . . .  

     Every moment of our lives is intensely real, and charged with
solemn responsibilities. Ignorance will be no excuse for lack of
spiritual understanding and attainment; for we are exhorted to add to
virtue, knowledge. . . . The uncultured fishermen became men of
refinement and ability; and the lessons that they were privileged to
learn are written for our admonition and instruction. We are invited to
become learners in the school of Christ. We need to acquire all the
knowledge possible. 

>From My Life Today - Page 96